A delight to drink, with bright cherry and cola flavors nuanced with earthier tones of tobacco, rosehip tea and anise. The way the wine feels in the mouth is beautiful, all silk and satin. This balanced Pinot Noir defines elegance, and should improve for a few years.
— S.H.
(3/1/2008)
What a juicy, tasty Chard this is. It’s classic Russian River, with its flavors of tart green apples veering into ripe peach and pear, and that sleek backbone of minerality. Well-oaked with smoky, spicy wood, adding to the complexity. The texture is rich and smooth.
— S.H.
(12/31/2003)
Notable for sheer deliciousness, this Chardonnay hails from two of the best-known vineyards in the Carneros district. The creamy texture holds spicy flavors of pineapples, pears, vanilla, butterscotch and yeasty lees. Just 1,000 cases produced.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
Deserves its score on the basis of its dry, classic structure and the way the currant, olive, mint and oak flavors come together in complexity. Not an ager, but a fine wine for now. Mostly from Lake County, with Sonoma and Napa in the blend.
— S.H.
(11/15/2008)
Firm and dry in tannins, this Cab needs rich fare to come into its own. A nice steak will negotiate the tight astringency and let the red and black currant flavors emerge into sweetness. Gets better as it warms in the glass, and should age well for six years.
— S.H.
(12/31/2008)
Further advances this county’s case for Sauvignon, with an exciting balance of lush, ripe fig, peach and apricot flavors, crisp acids and a long, spicy finish. Feels creamy and tart in the mouth, like a rich sorbet, and is very complex. Will be fabulous with a goat cheese and endive salad and a roasted chicken.
— S.H.
(12/15/2003)
Here’s a sound, easy-drinking and full-bodied red wine that’s very versatile at the table. Made from an unusual combination of Syrah, Tempranillo, Grenache and Zinfandel, it’s dry and robust, with super-spicy flavors of blackberries, currants and chocolate.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
Here’s a solid, elegant Cabernet. A blend of valley floor and mountain grapes, it’s dry and properly varietal, showing a good array of currant, blackberry, tobacco and oak flavors, with a creamy edge of mocha.
— S.H.
(6/1/2008)